UNZA, CBU students sorry

STUDENTS from the Copperbelt University (CBU) and the University of Zambia (UNZA) have apologised to President Lungu, Minister of Higher Education Michael Kaingu and Zambians for their riotous behaviour and damage of property, which led to the closure of their institutions.
The students have pleaded with Government to reconsider its decision and re-open the two institutions.
Zambia National Students Union (ZANASU) president Humphrey Mwenya said, “We are convinced that the closure of the two institutions was done in the interest of good students and the general public.”
Presenting the letter of apology addressed to Dr Kaingu and copied to President Lungu, Mr Mwenya said the closure has negatively affected students who are in their final year, those on self-sponsorship and those that did not take part in the riots.
Ministry of Higher Education permanent secretary Owen Mugemezulu received the letter on behalf of Dr Kaingu.
Mr Mwenya expressed sadness at the conduct of some students who have been posting derogative remarks against Government on social media.
The ZANASU president called on parents who have children studying at the two universities to counsel the students on good conduct and caution them against acts of violence.
He said as students’ representatives, ZANASU acknowledges the grounds that necessitated the closure of UNZA and CBU.
“Our appeal is to our President and the minister to reconsider the decision; we believe it was hard to make the decision of closing the two institutions,” Mr Mwenya said.
He said the students are remorseful for their actions and are willing to get back to school and concentrate on their studies.
And receiving the letter of apology, Mr Mugemezulu expressed happiness that the students had decided to apologise.
“The misinformation which is out there is that Government closed the two institutions because it does not have enough money to give the students as bursary. We are happy you have accepted your mistakes. I will present the letter of apology to the minister,” he said.